ASICSMen's Gel-Kayano 27 Running Shoes

I transitioned over to Asics after Adidas decided to discontinue my favorite running shoe. The first model Kayano for me was the 19 as I was looking for a neutral stability show with cushioning. The 20, 21 and 22 followed with multiple pairs of each. I skipped Models 23 and 24 as all Kayanos are not created equal and I scrounged the internet looking for previous models until the 25's came along, skipped the 26 and I'm now in 27's and I really like the shoe. I originally got a size 9 in the 27 and the toe box seemed too roomy and my heel didn't feel planted. I went down a half size to 8.5 and it made all the difference and they've become my favorite running shoe. The toe box is perfect for me, my heel is solidly planted and the upper can be tightened to prevent movement. For reference, I do about 60 miles a month on both tread and road work and the shoes are wearing well. I just ordered my 4th pair of 27's which should get me through 2 years. I wear the really worn pairs on mudders and spartan races. Maybe the only drawback on the shoe is the weight but I'm used to it and it's the price you pay for a stability shoe. I tend to buy the previous model to save money though I hear positive comments about the 28's.

After years of suffering from sports injuries I realized that I can still do performance training if proper shoe ware is worn. I usually run outside in ASICS Nimbus that provides nice cushioning for my knees and hip joints. This pair of Kayanos is very stable, has wide enough toe box to provide great ventilation for the foot, light enough for a comfort run and looks great. I’m using it for treadmill training only. I use them daily for the last 6months running 3-4miles at a time. I have not taken them outside. They held very well mechanically considering that they haven’t changed much after 600miles on treadmill. I had some hip pain and knee instability when I started training in them half a year ago, and managed to strengthen both over that period of time, no serious injuries. They are not as soft as Nimbus I wear outside for my runs, but gentle enough and predictable mechanically on treadmill when you land your feet during the run. Both Kayanos and Nimbus are awesome to keep your joints injury free. Stay healthy and enjoy cardio!

I require an extra wide running shoe and have purchased New Balance for over 40 years. They have always been adequate to my needs, but I cannot say I ever "enjoyed" wearing them. Early last year, I discovered that ASICS offers width sizing so I bought a pair of ASICS GT 2000 9 to replace the New Balance 990 V4 I was wearing at the time. (You will not that I overpronate and have to buy a stability shoe.) I had mixed feelings about the GT 2000. I loved the fact it felt so light, but found it was quite tight in the middle. Anyway, I decided to give ASICS another chance and found a great sale price on Amazon for the Kayano 27 ($89.99).I am really happy with the Kayano 27. They seem roomier in the middle, nicely cushioned, and somewhere between the ASICS 2000 9 and the New Balance 990 in terms of weight. (The New Balance shoes are too heavy and I can understand why they are called "Daddy shoes".) The Kayano 27 is a perfect compromise in terms of weight. They are not quite as liberating as the GT 2000, but not as oppressive as the New Balance 990. (Which also comes at an oppressive price tag.)Finally, one problem with having extra wide feet is that the prettiest and more colorful running shoes are often unavailable, and you need to either choose something in black or something in an off-color. Luckily, I actually like the black/silver Kayanos I purchased and don't feel I made too much of a compromise on my color selection. And getting these shoes at such a great price makes me feel good as well.

I am a walker, not a runner, so bear that in mind. I have overpronation and low arches. My fav shoes recently have been the ASICS GT-2000 8's, but as I can't find them in my size anymore, I did some research and decided to try these. Supposedly, the Gel Kayano series is a step up from the GT-2000. The cushioning is fine, and seems to be on a par with the GT-2000's. It feels a little "different", but not noticeably "better". These shoes are OK and I'll keep them BUT: The color choices are very limited - i had a choice of black or grey in my size. The toe box width is small, and smaller than my same-size GT-2000 (see photo - the black shoe on top is the Gel Kayano). My feet are 4 inches wide, which should be a D width, maybe an E for extra comfort. I bought these in Extra Wide and they are barely wide enough. I measured them across the top and they are 4 inches. A true Extra Wide shoe should be 4.6 inches. They also measure a quarter inch less in width across the sole compared to my GT-2000's, which are the same "size". And lastly, the shoestrings are too short - when laced up there is only about 4 inches left to tie. So, needless to say I am not super impressed with these, especially since they are supposed to be a step up from the GT-2000. All that said though, they fit "OK" and I'll see if I like them more over time, and will update this review if that happens.

I have been wearing Asics for over 25 years. I live by them. I'm a heavier athlete (over 200lbs) and normally buy the Nimbus, however, there was a sale on the Kayano and couldn't pass it up. These do not disappoint! Great support, a little more firm than the nimbus and really light! As with many brands, I always go about 1/2 size up. It will keep those toes nice and comfy and not squeezed! Great shoe and really bright and vibrant colour!